5 Things to Consider Before Installing EV Charging Stations on a Multi-Family Property

There are many things a property owner should consider before deploying electric vehicle charging stations on a multi-family property. Listed below are the top 5 things a property owner needs to consider before deploying EV charging stations.

1. Can my property support EV charging stations?

Simply put, it all depends on your property’s electric infrastructure. An assessment of the property’s existing electrical infrastructure must be conducted by a qualified electrician with an in-depth knowledge of electric vehicle charging specifications. Our inspections can determine whether an electrical upgrade is needed or whether the property can support charging stations based on the potential demand. Future-proofing the existing infrastructure would prepare the property for existing EV needs and prepare the property for the upcoming surge of charging demands. Analyzing the panels throughout the site and the available amperage is part of determining whether a property can support charging stations.

2. How many EV charging stations does my property need?

Today, every multi-family property should have no less than two charging stations coupled with a comprehensive plan to grow the number of stations as EV adoption increases over time. Looking to the future, when full EV adoption has occurred, a good rule of thumb is to have an EV charging station count equivalent to 10% of the total parking spaces. Multi-family developers of new properties should plan to add at least two charging stations.

3. What level charger should be installed?

Level 2 charging stations are the best option for multi-family properties based on charge speed and cost. Level 2 chargers range from 6.2 to 19.2 kW. Level 2 car chargers need a 208-240 Volt, 40 Amp circuit. With a Level 2 charger, an average EV can be fully charged in 8 hours or less. Level 1 charging stations may cost less than the recommended level 2 stations, but at a charge rate of 2-5 miles per hour, it would not be feasible for the property’s tenants to use these stations for trips farther than 20 miles a day. Level 3 charging stations are the absolute fastest charge available. However, the infrastructure needed to support such stations would increase the installation cost by almost ten times, bringing the cost toward the six-figure mark.

4. Where should the EV charging stations be placed?

People often believe EV charging stations should be placed in a centralized location for all tenants to access and be closest to an electrical panel to support their use. In some cases, focusing on one preference over the other can be costly to the property owner or inconvenient for the tenants. So it is recommended that partnering with a knowledgeable team such as REVS would benefit everyone in efforts to save money and time.

5. How will you manage and monitor the stations?

The most difficult aspect of charging stations is knowing what to do after deployment. It’s essential to figure out how you will manage and monitor the stations before you install them. Most manufacturers are often hard to contact and get accurate information from. Once the equipment is sold, they are gone, and you are left calling a 1-800 number. As an EV solutions company, REVS offers the management and monitoring of the charging stations using the station’s online dashboard, allowing us to track any issues with the stations. Property owners and managers would not need to devote time or resources to the stations by allowing REVS to handle this aspect of the project.